On its website, Apple has just confirmed that its co-founder and former CEO, Steve Jobs, has passed away at age 56. After bringing the company back from the brink of bankruptcy and turning it into one of the world's most succesful technology companies, Jobs lost the battle with pancreatic cancer.

"We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today," the company said in a brief statement, "Steve's brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve."

The technology world just lost one of its greatest leaders, and surely one that has shaped this industry almost more than any other. It's difficult not to admire what he did with Apple the past 14 years, and I'm genuinely sad he will no longer be with us. Our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.